By Michael Dorausch, D.C.
This article is in reference to an upcoming chiropractic mission to Cuba. Click Here to read the original article.
I have been in contact with Dr. Jeff Ptak and have offered some assistance in helping you all to better understand some issues related to U.S. citizens going to Cuba.
If you think you are going to have to sneak into Cuba via some other country you are wrong. Direct flights to Cuba are available from Los Angeles Airport non-stop to Havana from Saturday to Saturday via Grupo Taca Airlines. (I understand this is a very pleasant flight.) Visas and all required paperwork would be handled by the travel agency involved.
If you live on the west coast and are planning to attend, the expected time of travel for the group would be departing out of LAX on Saturday, June 2nd (arriving in Havana 4 1/2 hours later) and returning back to Los Angeles on Saturday, June 9th.
The same travel agency said that they also have a direct flight out of New York and Miami. So, there may be two or even three groups arriving.
Here is the Grupo TACA International Airlines Flight Information for Los Angeles
LAX Departure Time: 2:30pm (Check-In 11:00am)
HAV Arrival Time: 10:35pm (4:40 to 5 hour normal flight time)
HAV Departure Time Saturdays 8:55pm (Check-In 6:55pm)
LAX Arrival Time Saturday 11:33pm
Aircraft Airbus 320
If you are in Canada and are planning to attend, most of this info does not apply. For U.S. chiropractors, here are some answers to questions you may be asking.
Cost
I would expect costs to be the same as or similar to those in Panama. I was told the flight from LAX was about $690.00 RT and that a room in a five star hotel is about $110 per night. Let’s estimate $2000 as a low end for your entire week and $2600 as a high end. That would include everything, assuming you are rooming alone. (which you probably won’t be doing)
Money
In Cuba there are basically 2 currencies in circulation. The Cuban peso, which is used to pay Cubans, is of little use for us. The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere. (in Cuba) It is important to travel with small denominations ($1-$5-$10-$20). Note that $50 and $100 bills are difficult to exchange. Safes are usually available in hotel rooms.
It is impossible for Americans to use any credit card issued by a U.S. bank while in Cuba.
Dress
Casual dress is accepted in most areas. However, Cubans are very proud people, and at night you are expected to dress up to go to restaurants and to dance clubs. No shorts are allowed at night in public places. (Just like Panama, Dress Appropriately) Bring all personal-care items with you including toilet paper.
Adjusting
Chiropractic adjusting will involve seated upper cervical work, no tables or other equipment will be needed.
Barry Zwick of the Los Angeles Times recently published an article regarding travel to Cuba and I suggest you read it.
Flying the Fast Lane to Havana
Here is a link to a U.S. government site that offers some useful info.
Office of Foreign Assets Control
Cuba Sanctions Program – Guidelines and Information
I will have more information as I get it. If you are planning to go you need to contact Jeff before next week. Email me with questions so that I can answer them all at once and email them out and/or post them here.
Mike
—-
Can’t make this mission but are interested in another?
There are several groups that provide chiropractic services throughout the world. I try and get news of chiropractic missions included in Planet Chiropractic newsletters so I would suggest you subscribe to the newsletter to keep up on the latest news and events. If you are hosting a mission feel free to email me with as much information as you have so I can include it in the news.
planetc1.com-news @ 7:03 am | Article ID: 985186999
Comments are closed for this article!